Parichamuttukali, a martial art form following the fighting tradition of Kerala. The actors put on the dress of soldiers, with sword and shield made of wood. They dance according to the rhythm of recital. Usually boys between the ages of twelve and twenty one take part in Parichamuttu.. The steps of the dance and the themes of the songs have martial art connotations and the dance form is believed to be older than the famous martial art of Kerala known as Kalarippayattu. Cymbals, known as ilathalam locally is the only accompaniment to the dance.
It is a group dance with the dancers holding sword and shield made of wood in their hands, following the movements of sword fight, leaping forward, stepping back and moving round. |
